John Gilbert Starnes

Mr. John Gilbert Starnes, age 83, of Dahlonega, GA died Thursday July 16, 2009 at his residence.

Mr. Starnes was a native of North Carolina who had lived in Dahlonega since 1999. He was a former long time resident of Charlotte, North Carolina. He was a retired truck driver and was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Lumpkin County. Mr. Starnes served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

He was the son of the late Hoyt and Bessie McCain Starnes and was also preceded in death by his first wife, Louise Starnes, brothers, Ezell Jay Starnes, Henry Starnes, and Bundy Starnes; and a grandson, John Garrett Kelly.

Mr. Starnes is survived by his wife, Lois Starnes, Dahlonega, GA, son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Isabel Starnes, Temple, GA; daughters and sons-in-law, Cynthia and Ron Kelly, Dahlonega, GA, Libby and Mike Mason, South Africa; brothers, McRae Starnes, Chesnee, SC, Hoyt B. Starnes Jr., Waxhaw, NC; sisters, Grace Tyson, Waxhaw, NC, Luticia Fowler, Waxhaw, NC, Mary Jane Holshowsen, Haveloke, NC, 6 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild also survive. Also special friends, the families of Roy Saine, Loy Saine, and Guy Saine, all of Dahlonega, GA.

Funeral services for Mr. Starnes are scheduled for 1 PM Saturday July 18, 2009 at the Banister Funeral Home Chapel in Dahlonega with Rev. Jerry Whitlock and Rev. Eric Buffington will officiate.

A graveside service is scheduled for 2 PM Sunday July 19, 2009 at the Forest Lawn West Cemetery in Charlotte, NC.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 4 PM until 8 PM.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega is in charge of the arrangements.